Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 38 summary
Chapter 38 of 43 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 38, Tom makes Jim’s escape preparations harder by demanding a coat of arms, carved inscriptions, animal companions, and a flower watered with tears. Huck helps steal a grindstone, but Jim must leave his confinement to help move it before accepting still more tasks despite his complaints.
What happens
- While Huck and Jim make pens, Tom designs a coat of arms and mournful inscriptions that he insists Jim must carve.
- Tom decides that the carvings require stone, so he and Huck steal a grindstone from the mill.
- Unable to move it themselves, they fetch Jim, who helps transport it and widens the hole into his quarters.
- Tom sets Jim to carving, then proposes spiders, a rattlesnake, and rats as prison companions.
- Jim refuses a rattlesnake, and Tom substitutes garter-snakes while insisting on rats and music.
- Tom demands a flower watered with tears, suggests an onion, and scolds Jim until he apologizes for complaining.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Jim identifies the burden created by Tom’s demands. His complaint contrasts the practical wish to escape with Tom’s insistence on elaborate prison customs.
Quick check
Why do Huck and Tom fetch Jim after stealing the grindstone?
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